What is counseling?

Simply stated, counseling is any relationship in which one person is helping another person to better understand and solve some problem. Friends and relatives provide a type of counseling, as do clergy, academic advisors, teachers, and many others. The counselors at the Georgetown College Counseling Center are different from others who may offer counseling because of their extensive training in psychology and human behavior.

What can you expect from your counselor?

You can expect someone who is interested in listening to your concerns and in helping you develop a better understanding of them so that you may deal with them more easily and effectively. Your counselor will take you seriously and be willing to openly discuss anything you wish to discuss. Your counselor will be willing to answer some questions about herself or himself directly and honestly. If you have any questions about what is going on, by all means ask. Counselors have no “magical” skills or knowledge, and will be unable to solve your problems directly for you. Your counselor will want to work with you, but won’t do what you are capable of doing yourself.

What are your responsibilities in counseling?

Your main responsibilities in counseling are to attend your regularly scheduled sessions, talk about what is bothering you as openly and honestly as you can, and complete any tasks or “homework” assignments you may be asked to do. You are expected to let your counselor know if you are unable to come to a session. Most counseling will require you to try something new or a “different approach.” Another thing your counselor will expect is for you to be willing to experiment and try things out without jumping to conclusions. You are also expected to let your counselor know when your problems have been solved as well as let your counselor know if you don’t feel like you’re making any progress. This latter point is most important: your counselor is most interested in your benefiting from counseling.

What are some common difficulties in counseling?

One of the most difficult steps in counseling occurs before you see a counselor for the first time. Deciding to seek counseling is the first step in change. Once this decision has been made, the mechanics for change have been set in motion. In the process of changing the way you think, feel, or behave, you usually must try out new ways of doing things. This can make you anxious or frustrated. Also, in the course of counseling you may come to realize that things you once thought of only in a positive or negative way you may see a bit differently. The challenges of pushing on your limitations may also cause you frustrations, but with commitment and practice, you will findthat you can stretch your limits and find new and exciting aspects of yourself.

Who may use the counseling center?

The Georgetown College Counseling provides free, unlimited, confidential counseling services to any Georgetown College student, faculty, or staff member. If you need counseling and are not a member of the Georgetown College Community, but live locally, you may call Scott County’s Comprehensive Care Center for an appointment at 1-800-928-8000. The Comprehensive Care Center is located at 1226 Paris Pike, Georgetown, Kentucky 40324.

What services are offered?

Services include individual and group counseling as well as testing and assessment services. Male and female counselors are available. In addition, staff members are available to speak on mental health topics to halls, classes, or campus organizations.

How do I get started?

To schedule an appointment, call 502-863-7074. If you do not speak with a counselor in person, please leave a message, and a staff member will return your call. Let the counselor know how to contact you and if it is okay to leave a voice mail message.

What brings you to see us?

People see counselors for a variety of reasons, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, loneliness, stress management, an eating disorder, or relationship issues. People also see counselors because they “just don’t feel right” or because they are ready for personal growth and insight. Dealing with a learning disability or attention-deficit disorder can also be a reason to come in.

How long will I attend?

Usually sessions are scheduled for an hour at a time once a week. Sometimes people come in more often and sometimes they come in less frequently. During the first session you will be asked to fill out some standard forms. This information will be kept confidential and only the counselor will have access to it.

Services for Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and other disabilities

The Counseling Center also provides services to students with learning disabilities, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders, and any other disabilities. Students should mail or bring copies of reports listing their diagnoses and recommendations to the Counseling Center. Counseling staff will act as a liaison with the student and his or her professor, writing letters to the professors, listing recommendations and accommodations the student may need. It is important to return to the Counseling Center at the beginning of each semester with a list of classes for that semester so that new letters can be mailed, informing professors of your needs. In addition, staff can provide numerous suggestions for improving performance. If a student believes he or she has a learning disorder or attention-deficit, but has never been diagnosed, Counseling Center staff can make referrals for assessment and testing.